Dual release buckle assemblies and associated systems and methods

Abstract

Buckle assemblies with dual release features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly is configured to detachably engage latch plates. The buckle assembly can include a top cover and a bottom housing collectively defining an operation space; a load plate having a plurality of apertures, an actuator configured to connect with the top cover, a plurality of pawls configured to operably enter the corresponding apertures so as to secure a plurality of latch plates, a release ring positioned adjacent to the pawls and connected with a release cord. The latch plates can be released by rotating the top cover or pulling the release cord.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A buckle assembly, comprising:
 a top cover; 
 a bottom housing connected to the top cover, wherein the top cover and the bottom housing collectively define an internal space; 
 an actuator positioned in the internal space and operably coupled to the top cover; 
 a load plate positioned in the internal space and having a plurality of apertures; 
 a plurality of pawls, wherein each of the pawls is configured to operably extend through a corresponding one of the apertures so as to secure a corresponding latch plate coupled to a web of a personal restraint system; 
 a release ring rotatably positioned in the internal space adjacent to the pawls; and 
 a release cord positioned outside the internal space and coupled to the release ring, wherein the release cord includes a gripping surface providing a contact area for an occupant to grasp and pull the release cord; 
 wherein, when the top cover is rotated, the actuator moves the pawls out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates, and 
 wherein, when the release ring is rotated, the release ring moves the pawls out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates. 
 
     
     
       2. A buckle assembly, comprising:
 a top cover; 
 a bottom housing connected to the top cover, wherein the top cover and the bottom housing collectively define an internal space; 
 an actuator positioned in the internal space and operably coupled to the top cover; 
 a load plate positioned in the internal space and having a plurality of apertures; 
 a plurality of pawls, wherein each of the pawls is configured to operably extend through a corresponding one of the apertures so as to secure a corresponding latch plate coupled to a web of a personal restraint system; 
 a release ring rotatably positioned in the internal space adjacent to the pawls; and 
 a pawl spring including a base portion and a plurality of end portions, wherein the end portions extend radially outward from the base portion, and wherein each of the end portions biases a corresponding one of the pawls toward the corresponding one of the apertures; 
 wherein, when the top cover is rotated, the actuator moves the pawls out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates; and 
 wherein, when the release ring is rotated, the release ring moves the pawls out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates. 
 
     
     
       3. The buckle assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the actuator includes a protrusion, and wherein the load plate includes an opening configured to operably receive at least a portion of the protrusion. 
     
     
       4. The buckle assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the release ring includes an attaching portion configured to attach to a release cord positioned outside the internal space. 
     
     
       5. The buckle assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the attaching portion is attached to the release cord via a cable spring and a cable. 
     
     
       6. A buckle assembly, comprising:
 a top cover; 
 a bottom housing connected to the top cover, wherein the top cover and the bottom housing collectively define an internal space; 
 a load plate positioned in the internal space and having a plurality of apertures; 
 a plurality of pawls positioned in the internal space, wherein each of the pawls is configured to operably extend through a corresponding one of the apertures so as to secure a corresponding latch plate coupled to a web of a personal restraint system; 
 a release ring rotatably positioned in the internal space adjacent to the pawls; and 
 a release cord positioned outside the internal space and coupled to the release ring; 
 wherein, when the top cover is rotated, the pawls are moved out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates; and 
 wherein, when the release cord is pulled, the release ring moves the pawls out from the corresponding apertures, so as to release the corresponding latch plates. 
 
     
     
       7. The buckle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the apertures are positioned circumferentially around the load plate. 
     
     
       8. The buckle assembly of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a receiving component positioned adjacent to the bottom housing and configured to receive a cable; and 
 a cable spring positioned inside the receiving component and coupled to the cable, wherein the cable spring provides a biasing force to maintain the release cord at an initial position. 
 
     
     
       9. The buckle assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the cable spring includes an end portion, and wherein the release ring includes an attaching portion configured to couple to the end portion. 
     
     
       10. The buckle assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the receiving component is formed as a part of the top cover. 
     
     
       11. The buckle assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the receiving component is independently formed and attached to the top cover. 
     
     
       12. The buckle assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the release ring includes a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the pawls, wherein the protrusions are configured to operably push the pawls toward the bottom housing when the top cover is rotated or when the release cord is pulled.